Turquoise occurs in the whole range of hues from sky blue to grey-green, and is found in places where there is a high concentration of copper in the soil. The blue color is created by copper, the green by iron. Often, the deposits have veins running through it, which are brown, light grey or black. These depend on where it was found and the mineral deposits presents in that area. They are known as ‘turquoise matrix’. As a rule, turquoise occurs in veins or crevices, or in the form of nuggets.
The most well known deposits are in the USA, Mexico, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and China. The most beautiful turquoises, in a splendid light blue, come from deposits in the north of Iran, and from the famous Sleeping Beauty mines in Arizona.
Turquoise, an ancient stone, continues to find itself in the fore-front of fashion. Its shining sky blue is one of the most popular trend colors in the world of jewelry.
This gemstone has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune. The oldest evidence was found in Egypt, where grave furnishings with turquoise inlay were discovered, dating from approximately 3000 B.C. In the ancient Persian kingdom, the sky-blue gemstones were earlier worn round the neck or wrist as protection against unnatural death. If they changed color, the wearer was thought to have reason to fear the approach of doom.
However, a porous stone, we now know that when exposed to the acidity of the skin, chemicals in lotions and cosmetics, and even sunlight, will cause it to lose its bright color. That is why in today’s market most Turquoise is always treated with a resin to protect and preserve it.
The best quality turquoises are of a pure, radiant sky blue, a color which is highly esteemed with or without its fine, regular matrix, although stones which lean toward the green are now being sought and prized.
The Aztec tribes of Mexico used to decorate their ceremonial masks with this stone which was holy according to their beliefs. The Indians of North America, who still produce a good deal of traditional silver jewelry with turquoises today, believe that the sky-blue gemstone opens up a direct connection between the sky and the sea.
Turquoise is thought to defend virtue and innocence, to attract money, love, and happiness. It is considered a good general healer for all illnesses, induces wisdom and understanding, enhances trust and kindness.